Associated Students of Madison Vice Chair Cedric Lawson resigned last week after it was discovered by the Dean of Students Offices that he is not currently enrolled as a student at the University of Wisconsin.

“Our job description clearly states that in order to serve on the ASM council you need to be a currently enrolled student,” ASM Secretary and Nominations Chair Adam Schlicht said.

Lawson said he had been auditing his classes while waiting for funding to come through to pay for his tuition. However, he stopped attending those classes in the last week of March because his funding did not materialize. In the past, Lawson said he had been able to receive private funding and was able to pay off tuition costs; however, this time he was not able to pay the finishing balance from last semester.

“I kept it private due to the fact it was a financial matter and I did want to finish the work I was involved in,” Lawson said.

Schlicht said Lawson will be required to pay back $750 in stipends he wrongfully received for his position as vice chair.

“He should not have received that money, because it is student’s money,” Schlicht said.

In addition, Lawson also made an unauthorized payment during October 2004 for two plane tickets, according to Schlicht. The cost of the tickets was $486.40, bringing the total amount Lawson owes to $1236.40.

Schlicht said the ODOS has been informed of the money Lawson owes and he said their department will decide how he will pay the funds back, however he said he suggested that the best solution would be to work out a restitution plan.

“We are going to make sure that money comes back to the ASM internal budget,” Schlicht said.

However, Lawson said he would have used the money to pay for his tuition, so it will keep him from re-entering the university. He added ASM is built on the value that it will stand up for students and that includes unregistered students.

“I would find that [paying the money back is] incongruent with the values that are sent by ASM,” Lawson said.

Schlicht said rising tuition costs are a concern and Lawson’s situation showcases what students have to go through in higher education today.

ASM Chair Emily McWilliams said it was irresponsible that Lawson kept his student status a secret from the student government, because it does have an impact on the organization.

However, she added that “it is upsetting that one of the best advocates that we have on campus couldn’t afford the school.”

Lawson agreed with McWilliams that it is sad students like himself who are trying live independently have to depend on either their parents’ money or financial loans to receive an education. He added that UW system students have only recently had to face this, but tuition is a dire problem.

“The recent hikes in tuition are very out of line with the increases over time,” Lawson said. “[It has] made it more difficult for people like myself, people I advocate for, to attend school.”